Netflix Development Quinn Estates Market Retail Film Studio Ashford Railway Kent

The deserted former Ashford Railway Works site in Kent may soon become the home of online video streaming giant Netflix – with a major regeneration project planned for the site.

Quinn Estates – who’re set to speak about their future developments at the Thames Estuary Development Conference – are currently preparing a planning application for the site – which they hope to submit by the Summer. Their vision will be to create a massive new TV and Film studio along with a vibrant new quarter with the view of attracting some of the biggest brand from across the world.

Outline plans suggest the 12-acre site will include seven world class state-of-the-art studios, a  180-bed hotel along with retail and leisure space. Quinn Estates and Netflix have yet to confirm that they’re in discussions around the site, however it is know that there are ongoing conversations with ‘a number of international content providers’. The site would also include sufficient car-parking with provision for 400 spaces with restaurants and cafes also within the new site.

Speaking at the development Mark Quinn, the Chairman of Quinn Estates who’ll be speaking at the Thames Estuary Development Conference, said: “This project will make us the biggest regeneration specialists in Kent and I’m very proud of it. This site will be a major European filming hub. The buildings will go from making trains to making films. The growth of filming in Kent is enormous at the moment and this will turbo-charge it.”

The development could create over 3,000 new jobs within Kent, and the next steps of the project will be a planning application – after Quinn submitted a screening opinion request to Ashford Borough Council earlier this week.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “The proposal involves finding a new use for one of the longest listed buildings in the country and transforming a brownfield site which has laid dormant for many years, into a TV and film studio and hotel. Now this must be subject to the rigours of the planning system. There is a planning process which needs to be adhered to, therefore we await more details on this proposal coming forward in due course so that full consultation can take place.”

 

Find out more about this and many other developments which Quinn Estates are leading across the region at the Thames Estuary Development Conference.

Click here to register for tickets.